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I forgot, thank you for your service! I can only get, at most, a couple of miles into the woods and can't do that if I don't keep everything lightweight. Before I got things together, my husband carried my stuff up to the first group hang I attended. For me, just changing out from a synthetic bag to down under quilt and top quilt made a world of difference. I was also amazed at how much my clothes weigh.

I recommend reading "beyond backpacking". By ray jardine. It's both practical and philosophical in theory of going ultralight. He's done the triple crown, and a few others. Do a few shake down hikes and document what u never used, and eliminate. I've changed systems at least 7 times, so enjoy the ride as u discover what HYOH really means.

"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:11

I don't take extra clothes other than insulation like a jacket, and sometimes a shirt to sleep in that I haven't been hiking in all day. Honestly, if 90% or more of your waking day is spent hiking and the rest eating (okay so eating will increase in % over time), then you don't need much to keep you warm during the day (on most days), and then just go to bed.

I forgot, thank you for your service! I can only get, at most, a couple of miles into the woods and can't do that if I don't keep everything lightweight. Before I got things together, my husband carried my stuff up to the first group hang I attended. For me, just changing out from a synthetic bag to down under quilt and top quilt made a world of difference. I was also amazed at how much my clothes weigh.

I saw a YouTube video series with a guy like Red Green that FireInMyBones showed me. He described the underquilt. What is up with the overquilt?

I used to use polypros, but they are too heavy and not very efficient for a thru. Usable, but heavy for their warmth.

What underwear? Kidding... I wash my running shorts (acting as my underwear) every few days.

Originally Posted by Grampy

I saw a YouTube video series with a guy like Red Green that FireInMyBones showed me. He described the underquilt. What is up with the overquilt?

You mean Shug, right? Underquilt (UQ) keeps your butt warm by haning on the outside of your hammock so you do not compress the insulation and make it useless and an overquilt/ Topquilt (TQ) is like a lightweight version of a sleeping bag with no zipper or hood. Removing the zipper cuts out the weight and contributes to the feeling of your top insulation feeling less constricting. You can tuck it around you like a quilt instead of being zipped up in it.

"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:11

The PolyPros are like undergarments and insulators.
How do you compensate for the underwear getting stanky and crusty?

Merino wool is like the energizer bunny of fabrics, it stays smelling fresh for a long time (but it is expensive). Synthetics get stinky in a flash. Wool is best in winter time. Silk is great for summer, but also expensive.

Each person has his own system, but one idea is to have what you wear, plus one change, plus something to sleep at night.

For an example of clothing over the different seasons, take a look at the link below. Of course, that is what works for that particular person, but it may give you a few ideas. He also has put together a gear list.

Going as lite as possible allows you to enjoy the hike. Just don't go so lite you are not prepared for the conditions you will be hiking / camping in.

Lots of good info here and on Whiteblaze on how to reduce your pack weight.

As suggested, get a scale that weighs in grams and ounces. One that weighs up to 5 pounds is big enough. Make a spreadsheet and weigh everything you plan on taking and then take a hard cold look at the spreadsheet. If you are packing something that weighs more than that (other than food and or water) its too heavy and you need to look for a lighter weight solution.

You asked for advice, so here it is. Understand that what is important to me may not be important to you, etc. Anyway, I see way too much redundancy in this list. You don't need both a notepad and a logbook. Choose one. Discard the hatchet and pick the knife or multi-tool. Better, discard all three and find a lightweight folding knife with about a two and a half in blade. Discard the sharpening stone - you can borrow one a various stops if you really need it. You list "compass & asthmas" and a "button compass". Pick one. You don't need two compasses. Emergency crank radio - too heavy, just get a small radio that meets your needs. You list two books and the bible. This might be a good time to see if a Kindle (the one's without the back light) and see if you can download your book choices to it. The battery life on those are about two to three weeks. You'll need a padded case for it, but it will still weigh less than one book. I know you can download the bible to it, pretty sure you can find a downloadable guide to edible plants. Not sure you really need the US Army Survival, Evasion and Recovery book. We promise not to shoot you if we see you on the trail!